Factors associated with social interactions between deaf children and their hearing peers: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Research indicates that deaf children can have marked social difficulties compared with their hearing peers. Factors that influence these social interactions need to be reviewed to inform interventions. A systematic search of 5 key databases and 3 specialized journals identified 14 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of the articles was assessed using an adapted checklist. There was a general lack of consensus across studies. The main factors investigated were the deaf child's communication competency, age, and level of mainstreaming, which overall were positively associated with peer interactions. Some studies also found that females were more likely to have positive social interactions. The majority of studies were cross-sectional. Some studies lacked appropriate control groups and did not recruit an appropriate range of informants. A wide range of factors were associated with social interactions between deaf and hearing children. The role of communication gained the highest consensus across studies. Other factors were involved in more complex interactions.